Dobutamine
Dobutamine is a synthetic sympathomimetic drug used in the treatment of heart failure and cardiogenic shock. Its primary mechanism is direct stimulation of beta-1 adrenergic receptors of the heart, which increases myocardial contractility and cardiac output.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dobutamine must be administered by continuous intravenous infusion. The standard infusion rate is 2.5 to 10 mcg/kg/min, titrated based on patient response, heart rate, and blood pressure. Doses up to 40 mcg/kg/min may occasionally be required.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Initiate at lower end (e.g., 2 mcg/kg/min) and titrate carefully. Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and urine output.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate to desired hemodynamic response. Requires continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate based on clinical response. Infuse through a central venous catheter if possible to reduce risk of extravasation.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor closely for tachyarrhythmias and excessive changes in blood pressure during titration.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Standard pediatric infusion range. Avoid abrupt withdrawal; taper dose gradually.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min | Continuous IV infusion | Initiate at lower end (e.g., 2 mcg/kg/min) and titrate carefully. Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and urine output. |
| 5-7 kg | 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min | Continuous IV infusion | Titrate to desired hemodynamic response. Requires continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring. |
| 8-10 kg | 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min | Continuous IV infusion | Titrate based on clinical response. Infuse through a central venous catheter if possible to reduce risk of extravasation. |
| 11-15 kg | 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min | Continuous IV infusion | Monitor closely for tachyarrhythmias and excessive changes in blood pressure during titration. |
| 16-20 kg | 2 to 20 mcg/kg/min | Continuous IV infusion | Standard pediatric infusion range. Avoid abrupt withdrawal; taper dose gradually. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used for short-term inotropic support in patients with cardiac decompensation due to depressed contractility from organic heart disease or cardiac surgery.
Generic Name
DobutamineBranded Drug Names
Dobutamine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.